Psychopomp
Ben LaFever
Artist Statement: These paintings are a meditation on the dynamics of opposites; mystery and certainty, death and life, and force and receptivity. I am interested in visualizing the patterns of meaning that emerge from these polarities, and the liminal spaces that exist between them. A Psychopomp is the ultimate liminal being. It is a guide of souls to the place of the dead, a go-between of life and death, the known and unknown.
Elements in my work are manipulated to generate a mythical field. The figures are stylized, bent and stretched, colors are bright, pastel and jewel-like, and objects are arranged to evoke narrative rather than depict depth or an illusion of space. Symbolism and allegory have allowed me a visual language to explore the continuous journey into the unknown that defines the human experience. Creating these paintings have also been a way of making sense of my personal life experiences by putting them in a mythical context, so among the memento mori and primordial waters, you will see bits of my own story.
Artist Bio: Ben LaFever is a self-taught artist and Eastern Kentucky native. Using acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media, Ben makes figurative paintings that combine symbolism, myth, and allegory to explore the patterns of meaning that define human life. His debut solo show, Spirit Shadows, with the Lexington Art League was in 2019. Ben has also shown his work in Louisville and Saint Louis. You can usually find him working in his home studio in the company of his fiancé, his dog, and an abundance of art books.
Elements in my work are manipulated to generate a mythical field. The figures are stylized, bent and stretched, colors are bright, pastel and jewel-like, and objects are arranged to evoke narrative rather than depict depth or an illusion of space. Symbolism and allegory have allowed me a visual language to explore the continuous journey into the unknown that defines the human experience. Creating these paintings have also been a way of making sense of my personal life experiences by putting them in a mythical context, so among the memento mori and primordial waters, you will see bits of my own story.
Artist Bio: Ben LaFever is a self-taught artist and Eastern Kentucky native. Using acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media, Ben makes figurative paintings that combine symbolism, myth, and allegory to explore the patterns of meaning that define human life. His debut solo show, Spirit Shadows, with the Lexington Art League was in 2019. Ben has also shown his work in Louisville and Saint Louis. You can usually find him working in his home studio in the company of his fiancé, his dog, and an abundance of art books.
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Public Gallery Hours
Wednesday 12pm-5pm
Thursday 12pm-5pm Friday 12pm-5pm Saturday 12pm - 5pm Viewings also available by appointment |
The Loudoun House
209 Castlewood Dr. Lexington, Ky. 40505 Email: [email protected]
Phone 859-254-7024 |
All Lexington Art League programs are made possible through the generous support of LexArts.
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The Kentucky Arts Council, a state arts agency, provides operating support to the Lexington Art League with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support provided by Lexington Parks & Recreation.
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